Gail Erwin Loyd, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023, at the age of 71.
Her family will host a visitation at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan, Coleman, on Wednesday, October 4, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 5, at First Baptist Church, 401 S. 2nd Street, Bangs, with James Jones, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Rankin, officiating, and assisted by Dr. Pepper Dill, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bangs. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.
Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
Gail was born on September 25, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, adopted at birth by Austin and Frances Boyls Erwin. She grew up in Coleman where she graduated from Coleman High School, Class of 1971. Following graduation, she attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and music.
Gail was married to Lynn Loyd on October 9, 1976, in Coleman and they were married for almost 44 years at the time of his death. She was a loving wife and mother as well as dedicating her life to the noble profession of teaching, inspiring generations of young minds to reach their full potential. She taught for a total of 32 years at Mozelle, Santa Anna Elementary, and Glenmore Elementary in San Angelo, where she became an icon of knowledge, passion, and compassion. Gail’s commitment to her students was unwavering, and she found joy in shaping the lives of countless children throughout her distinguished career. She was always involved in activities with her sons and grandchildren, cheering them on in all their endeavors. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking and being a mother and GranG.
She is survived by two sons, William and wife Brooke Loyd of Bangs and Erwin Lynn Loyd of Gouldbusk; five grandchildren, Charity, Austin, Anebella, Frances, and John Erwin Loyd, who brought immeasurable joy into her life; one stepsister, Mary Griffis of Coleman.
She valued family above all else, cherishing the moments spent together, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever. Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched and the values she instilled.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two stepsisters, Johnnie Priddy and Sandra Stuart, and her stepmother, Corrine Erwin.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
Please leave kind thoughts and condolences for the family on her obituary page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Loyd family.